WO2013023129A1 - Sécuriser des cuves de stockage de produit contre une distribution non autorisée - Google Patents
Sécuriser des cuves de stockage de produit contre une distribution non autorisée Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- WO2013023129A1 WO2013023129A1 PCT/US2012/050287 US2012050287W WO2013023129A1 WO 2013023129 A1 WO2013023129 A1 WO 2013023129A1 US 2012050287 W US2012050287 W US 2012050287W WO 2013023129 A1 WO2013023129 A1 WO 2013023129A1
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- WO
- WIPO (PCT)
- Prior art keywords
- disk
- remote controlled
- product
- flap
- controlled valve
- Prior art date
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Classifications
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G05—CONTROLLING; REGULATING
- G05D—SYSTEMS FOR CONTROLLING OR REGULATING NON-ELECTRIC VARIABLES
- G05D7/00—Control of flow
- G05D7/06—Control of flow characterised by the use of electric means
- G05D7/0617—Control of flow characterised by the use of electric means specially adapted for fluid materials
- G05D7/0629—Control of flow characterised by the use of electric means specially adapted for fluid materials characterised by the type of regulator means
- G05D7/0676—Control of flow characterised by the use of electric means specially adapted for fluid materials characterised by the type of regulator means by action on flow sources
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B67—OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
- B67D—DISPENSING, DELIVERING OR TRANSFERRING LIQUIDS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B67D7/00—Apparatus or devices for transferring liquids from bulk storage containers or reservoirs into vehicles or into portable containers, e.g. for retail sale purposes
- B67D7/06—Details or accessories
- B67D7/32—Arrangements of safety or warning devices; Means for preventing unauthorised delivery of liquid
- B67D7/34—Means for preventing unauthorised delivery of liquid
- B67D7/344—Means for preventing unauthorised delivery of liquid by checking a correct coupling or coded information
- B67D7/346—Means for preventing unauthorised delivery of liquid by checking a correct coupling or coded information by reading a code
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B67—OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
- B67D—DISPENSING, DELIVERING OR TRANSFERRING LIQUIDS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B67D7/00—Apparatus or devices for transferring liquids from bulk storage containers or reservoirs into vehicles or into portable containers, e.g. for retail sale purposes
- B67D7/06—Details or accessories
- B67D7/32—Arrangements of safety or warning devices; Means for preventing unauthorised delivery of liquid
- B67D7/34—Means for preventing unauthorised delivery of liquid
- B67D7/344—Means for preventing unauthorised delivery of liquid by checking a correct coupling or coded information
- B67D7/348—Means for preventing unauthorised delivery of liquid by checking a correct coupling or coded information by interrogating an information transmitter, e.g. a transponder
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B67—OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
- B67D—DISPENSING, DELIVERING OR TRANSFERRING LIQUIDS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B67D7/00—Apparatus or devices for transferring liquids from bulk storage containers or reservoirs into vehicles or into portable containers, e.g. for retail sale purposes
- B67D7/06—Details or accessories
- B67D7/36—Arrangements of flow- or pressure-control valves
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G05—CONTROLLING; REGULATING
- G05B—CONTROL OR REGULATING SYSTEMS IN GENERAL; FUNCTIONAL ELEMENTS OF SUCH SYSTEMS; MONITORING OR TESTING ARRANGEMENTS FOR SUCH SYSTEMS OR ELEMENTS
- G05B19/00—Programme-control systems
- G05B19/02—Programme-control systems electric
- G05B19/04—Programme control other than numerical control, i.e. in sequence controllers or logic controllers
- G05B19/042—Programme control other than numerical control, i.e. in sequence controllers or logic controllers using digital processors
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G05—CONTROLLING; REGULATING
- G05B—CONTROL OR REGULATING SYSTEMS IN GENERAL; FUNCTIONAL ELEMENTS OF SUCH SYSTEMS; MONITORING OR TESTING ARRANGEMENTS FOR SUCH SYSTEMS OR ELEMENTS
- G05B19/00—Programme-control systems
- G05B19/02—Programme-control systems electric
- G05B19/18—Numerical control [NC], i.e. automatically operating machines, in particular machine tools, e.g. in a manufacturing environment, so as to execute positioning, movement or co-ordinated operations by means of programme data in numerical form
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
- G06Q—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES; SYSTEMS OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- G06Q10/00—Administration; Management
- G06Q10/08—Logistics, e.g. warehousing, loading or distribution; Inventory or stock management
- G06Q10/083—Shipping
- G06Q10/0832—Special goods or special handling procedures, e.g. handling of hazardous or fragile goods
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B67—OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
- B67D—DISPENSING, DELIVERING OR TRANSFERRING LIQUIDS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B67D7/00—Apparatus or devices for transferring liquids from bulk storage containers or reservoirs into vehicles or into portable containers, e.g. for retail sale purposes
- B67D7/04—Apparatus or devices for transferring liquids from bulk storage containers or reservoirs into vehicles or into portable containers, e.g. for retail sale purposes for transferring fuels, lubricants or mixed fuels and lubricants
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G05—CONTROLLING; REGULATING
- G05B—CONTROL OR REGULATING SYSTEMS IN GENERAL; FUNCTIONAL ELEMENTS OF SUCH SYSTEMS; MONITORING OR TESTING ARRANGEMENTS FOR SUCH SYSTEMS OR ELEMENTS
- G05B2219/00—Program-control systems
- G05B2219/10—Plc systems
- G05B2219/15—Plc structure of the system
- G05B2219/15117—Radio link, wireless
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G05—CONTROLLING; REGULATING
- G05B—CONTROL OR REGULATING SYSTEMS IN GENERAL; FUNCTIONAL ELEMENTS OF SUCH SYSTEMS; MONITORING OR TESTING ARRANGEMENTS FOR SUCH SYSTEMS OR ELEMENTS
- G05B2219/00—Program-control systems
- G05B2219/30—Nc systems
- G05B2219/36—Nc in input of data, input key till input tape
- G05B2219/36536—Inhibit, forbid, prevent execution of program if no tool or worpiece data
Definitions
- the invention relates to product delivery control and, more particularly, to securing product storage tanks against unauthorized delivery.
- Retail facilities selling liquid products stored in liquid storage tanks are located throughout the world.
- liquid storage tanks e.g., gas stations
- products are stored in bulk storage tanks, which are typically located underground.
- Each tank stores a unique petroleum product (e.g., gasoline, diesel, kerosene, etc.) to be dispensed through pump-dispensers at various retail facilities.
- the delivery of petroleum products (hereinafter, fuel) to retail facilities is conducted by a gravity drop from a compartment in a tanker truck. These tanker trucks are themselves loaded for delivery from larger tank systems located at wholesale distribution centers.
- Preventing unauthorized fuel delivery is desirable for automotive fuel brands to maintain their brand products' exclusivity in the franchise retail gas stations, for fuel distributors in order to fulfill their exclusive relationships with retail gas stations, and to prevent contamination or improper mixing of fuel products.
- a business goal of fuel distributors is to minimize unauthorized deliveries while maximizing the efficiency of authorized delivery operations. Unauthorized deliveries may take place at a time of fuel price fluctuations. When prices go down, the owner of a retail gas station might be tempted to purchase fuel from a freelance distributer at a lower price, breaching the long-term supply contract with a distributor.
- distributors typically keep close track of their customers' inventory, but in practice, even with well monitored retail gas stations, distributors report that unauthorized deliveries cause them a loss of 2-20% of their total business. That is a loss of between $1.75 million and $17.5 million PER DAY for authorized distributors in the United States during the first six months of 2011 (calculation based on data from the Prime Supplier Report and the U.S. Energy Information Administration, which report that in the first half of 2011, total gasoline sales and deliveries was approximately 350 million gallons per day with an average distributor's margin of $0.25 per gallon).
- Remote controlled valves have been previously used in other industries (e.g., water irrigation system), but have not been suitable for fuel or other industrial liquid products because (a) they do not support bulk liquid drops at very low hydrostatic pressure, (b) they are not effective for bidirectional flow, (c) they are hard to use in a flammable explosive environment, (d) they are not suited for battery operation due to energy consumption, and (e) they are typically unreliable, expensive, and difficult to use.
- the RCVs used herein are suitable for allowing rapid bulk-liquid drops at any hydrostatic pressure, supporting bidirectional liquid flow and handling flammable liquids securely, including supporting ongoing maintenance, inspection and auditing activities without compromising on safety or security.
- the described embodiments overcome the shortcomings of existing delivery systems by (a) providing automatic, real-time prevention of unauthorized deliveries, (b) eliminating post factum investigations, (c) minimizing the size of the professional control team, and (d) ensuring the quality of the delivered product by preventing contamination.
- a remote controlled valve is cooperable with a product entry port.
- the remote controlled valve includes a disk flap that is displaceable between an opened position and a closed position, and a disk displacement assembly including a motor coupled with the disk flap.
- the disk displacement assembly includes a lock feature that locks the disk flap in the opened position and the closed position.
- a controller is cooperable with the disk displacement assembly and controls activation of the motor.
- the disk displacement assembly includes a spring transmission assembly interposed between the motor and an axle of the disk flap. The spring transmission assembly permits displacement of the motor when the disk flap is blocked in the opened position or the closed position.
- the disk flap is sized relative to the product entry port such that the disk flap does not completely seal the product entry port.
- the disk displacement assembly may include a cam plate to which the axle of the disk flap is secured.
- the cam plate includes a cam slot therein.
- a cam driver includes a cam pin disposed in the cam slot and is coupled with the motor via the spring transmission.
- the motor may be operable to displace the spring transmission from a relaxed state to a compressed state regardless of a position of the disk flap.
- the spring transmission may be configured such that a force of the spring transmission in the compressed state is sufficient to displace the disk flap from/to the opened position to/from the closed position.
- the valve may additionally include magnetic switches communicating with the controller that are positioned relative to the motor and the cam plate to detect respective positions of the motor and the disk flap.
- the valve may also include a drop elbow sensor communicating with the controller.
- the drop elbow sensor is displaceable by a drop elbow secured in cooperation with the remote controlled valve.
- the controller may be programmed to effect operation of the motor based signals from the drop elbow sensor.
- the controller may be programmed to operate the remote controlled valve in a service mode in which after authorizing operation and activating and releasing the drop elbow sensor, the controller operates the motor to displace the disk flap to the opened position for a predetermined period of time.
- the controller may be programmed to displace the disk flap to the closed position if a drop elbow is secured to the product entry port.
- a system that prevents unauthorized product delivery to a product container including a product entry port includes the noted remote controlled valve cooperable with the product entry port, where the remote controlled valve provides selective access to the product container, and a command control unit cooperable with a delivery source that is programmed to establish authorized communication with the controller of the remote controlled valve and to effect authorized operation of the remote controlled valve.
- the command control unit may be programmed to effect delivery of the product by opening the remote controlled valve via the communication with the controller.
- the system may include a plurality of remote controlled valves cooperable with a corresponding plurality of product containers and product entry ports.
- the command control unit may include visual display and an audible alarm, where the command control unit is programmed to activate an alarm via at least one of the visual display and the audible alarm when (1) there are more than one of the remote controlled valves with the disk flap in the opened position, (2) a product type from the delivery source does not match a product type in one of the product containers to which the delivery source is connected, and (3) a product acknowledgement switch has not been activated.
- the command control unit is positioned in a cab of a tanker truck.
- FIG. 1 is a schematic drawing showing a general overview of the system
- FIG. 2 is a flowchart describing the method and process for initializing and installing the RCV
- FIG. 3 is a flowchart describing the method and process for initializing and installing the CCU
- FIG. 4 is a flowchart describing the method and process for authorizing delivery of petroleum products at a retail gas station using the system of the described embodiments;
- FIG. 5 is an authorized delivery audible alerts state diagram
- FIG. 6 is a front-panel illustration CCU
- FIG. 7 is a physical view of the RCV installed in a spill container;
- FIG. 8 is a detailed view of the RCV components and locking mechanism;
- FIG. 9 is a block diagram of the CCU
- FIG. 10 is a block diagram of the RCV
- FIG. 11 is a block diagram of the PTDU.
- FIG. 12 is a schematic drawing of the PTDU.
- the invention includes methods, systems, computer software and products associated with securing storage tanks against the unauthorized transfer of flowable product from delivery vehicles (e.g., tanker trucks and rail cars) or the unauthorized loading of products from a storage tank into a delivery vehicle.
- delivery vehicles e.g., tanker trucks and rail cars
- the system is comprised generally of a remote controlled valve (hereinafter, RCV), which is installed at the entry port of a liquid storage tank 210 and controls liquid flow into or out of the liquid storage tank 200.
- RCV remote controlled valve
- a command and control unit (hereinafter, CCU) 120 is installed in the cabin 110 of a tanker truck 100 or in a handheld mobile device, which controls the delivery process and includes product type push buttons that open the RCV to full flow.
- Other components include a visual display 120-2, embedded audible alarm 120-3 to report on delivery status, RCV status, and system error indicator 102-5.
- a tanker has several compartments, each containing a specific product.
- Product type display units (hereinafter, PTDUs) 160 are installed next to each compartment dispensing port 130.
- the PTDU 160 is manually set at the fuel depot station by the delivery person, which typically is the tanker truck driver, to display the type of product in the associated compartment (e.g., diesel, regular gasoline, etc.) at the time of product loading with optional active components that will communicate the product type to the CCU.
- the product type push button can be also embedded in the PTDU 160-2.
- Each RCV carries saved information about the storage tank volume and product type. The delivery person will be required to confirm that the product type for delivery is the same type as the one in the storage tank prior to the delivery by pressing the correct fuel type push button.
- this process can be replaced by an automatic process with a front end interface 160-5 (RF or wired), assuming the information about each compartment product type will be stored during the loading time at the fuel depot by means of retrieving the fuel depot loading arms at the time of loading.
- a communication link between the CCU and the RCV ensures that only a pre- authorized CCU is granted access privileges to unload fuel into a liquid storage tank.
- An RCV is prepared and installed in accordance with the process, method and computer program shown in Fig. 2.
- operational information for each RCV is registered in the logistics center database 300 (Fig. 1) (S2).
- the RCV is programmed with an RCV unique ID number, an operational password, gas station locations, fuel type, tank volume, and administrative password, etc. (S3).
- the operational information from the logistics center database is loaded in the RCV database (S4).
- the RCV is then installed at the entry port of the underground tank at the gas station in compliance with its embedded data (S5).
- the RCV is mechanically compatible for integration with common top seal adaptors and is installed at the entry port of the fuel storage tank. After installation, access to the storage tank is blocked and can be opened only in response to an authorized CCU "Open" command.
- the CCU is initialized at the logistics center and installed in the tanker's cabin or in a mobile hand-held terminal.
- the preparation and implementation is achieved in accordance with the process, method and computer program shown in Fig. 3.
- CCU initialization is started in step S10, and the operational information for each CCU is registered in the logistics center database (Sl l).
- Operational data includes CCU ID number, truck ID, a list of served gas stations with RCV ID numbers and associated passwords, etc. (S12).
- the CCU's database is loaded with the operational information from the logistics center database (SI 3), and the CCU is installed in the truck cabin and operation is validated (S14).
- the Logistics Center provides a unique identification code for each RCV and CCU.
- the CCU is loaded with a list of gas stations' passwords where that tanker is certified for delivery.
- the passwords are loaded into the CCU's non- volatile memory and therefore protected against power failure.
- the CCU enables the delivery person to monitor and open RCVs at the time of fuel delivery.
- the delivery person can only open RCVs that are authorized for specific tanks at specific gas stations.
- the CCU is installed in the tanker truck's cabin in a way that is visible and conveniently accessible for the delivery person.
- Fig. 9 is a schematic block diagram of the CCU.
- the electronic circuitry is comprised of a Front End Interface 120-7 (RF or wired), RISC ⁇ system 120-6 loaded with an operational program and database, a Power System 120- 5, which receives its power from the tanker truck's battery; and a front panel that is comprised of visual indicators 120-2 and an audible alarm 120-3.
- the CCU is turned on at the retail gas station. Once operational with a communications medium (RF or Wired) in place, the CCU starts searching for RCVs, and the operational process proceeds according to Fig. 4.
- a communications medium RF or Wired
- the PTDU 160 (Fig. 1 1) is installed on the tanker truck next to each compartment dispensing port.
- the basic PTDU is a mechanical indicator, widely used today in the fuel delivery industry and set by the driver at the fuel depot to remind him the type of product that was loaded into the specific compartment.
- the PTDU discussed in this invention is an optional accessory to the CCU, and it is comprised of (1) a display 160-10 showing the product type stored in the linked compartment, (2) a selection knob 160-1 for selecting the product type to display at the time of product loading, and (3) a push button 160-2 via a power converter 160-3 that sends a command to the CCU to open or close the RCV along with the product type shown on the display.
- the CCU could also be implemented in a mobile hand-held device.
- the fuel type push buttons can be installed at the PTDU, which is operationally convenient, and in which case it will constitute a "distributed" CCU.
- the RCV is a low-power electromechanical valve system, controlled by an authorized CCU, and designed to work with petroleum products and other hazardous liquids.
- the RCV is installed at the entry port of an underground liquid storage tank. In the gas station application, it is installed inside a spill container 210-19, screwed in between the bottom of the spill container at one end and a top seal adaptor at the other end.
- Figs. 7 and 8 show the RCVs physical layout
- Fig. 10 is a schematic block diagram.
- the RCVs mechanical parts are comprised from a disk flap 210-10.
- the flap can be in an opened (90°) position or closed (0°) position (as shown in Figs. 7 and 8).
- the flap is connected at its axis to a shaft or axle 210-11.
- the shaft provides a lock mechanism for the flap when it is in opened or closed positions and also has two magnets 210-12 that pull ferromagnetic read switches 210-13 to report that the flap is opened, closed or half way open.
- the shaft is moved by a cam 210-14 that is connected to a small electric motor 210-18 through a spring transmission 210-20 that preserves the energy in case of mechanical obstruction to the flap to allow the motor to shut down, while waiting for the mechanical obstruction to be removed.
- the axle 210-11 of the disk flap is secured to a cam plate 210-14, which includes a cam slot therein.
- a cam driver includes a cam pin disposed in the cam slot. The cam pin and slot arrangement serves to lock the disk flap in either the closed position or the opened position.
- a motor arm 210-15 is connected to the other side of the transmission spring and is also equipped with a magnet 210-16 that activates ferromagnetic read switches 210-17 to indicate a max position of the motor, and power to the motor can be shut down.
- the cam driver is coupled with the motor via the spring transmission.
- the motor is operable to displace the spring transmission from a relaxed state to a compressed state regardless of a position of the disk flap.
- the spring transmission is configured such that a force of the spring transmission in the compressed state is sufficient to displace the disk flap from/to the opened position to/from the closed position.
- electronic parts of the RCV include an RF or wired Front End Interface 210-7, ⁇ system 210-9 loaded with an operational program and database, and a valve 210-2, whose open/closed status is controlled by a low-power drive 210-3.
- the low power drive is activated by an electrical command sent from the RISC ⁇ following a request from an authorized CCU.
- the RCV is powered by an internal battery 210-6.
- the system has two modes of operations: (a) Delivery Mode and (b) Service mode.
- Delivery Mode the RCV's drop elbow sensor 210-1 detects a drop elbow 150 attached to the top seal adaptor for more than few seconds steadily.
- the RCV internal circuitry is activated, and the system attempts to establish communication with the CCU.
- the delivery process is performed according to Fig. 4 (described below).
- valve In the service mode, the valve may be opened for a limited time for maintenance purposes, e.g., measuring liquid level using a measuring rod.
- the maintenance person will have a service version of the CCU that would allow opening the valve for a short time.
- the service mode operational process is described in Fig. 4.
- the valve is normally closed, with liquid flow blocked. No power is required to hold the valve in this position.
- the valve is bi-directional for liquid flow.
- a closed valve is capable to allow controlled leakage into the underground. This can be accomplished by the size and/or shape of the valve relative to the product entry port. This capability is required to allow a return of a fuel sample taken for analysis purposes, without requiring opening the valve. This rate of controlled leakage should be low enough to cause no product mixing issues in the delivery mode if by mistake somebody is trying to deliver the wrong fuel type.
- Figs. 4 and 5 show operational processes relating to product delivery with the system of the described embodiments.
- delivery is started in step S20, and a tanker truck 100 arrives at the gas station with a delivery order and parks next to the station's fuel tank entry ports (S21).
- the delivery person uncovers and connects the vapor return port to the tanker vapor return port (S22).
- the storage tank entry port is uncovered, the cap is removed, and the drop elbow is connected to the top seal adapter to connect the 4" hose 140 between the tanker's compartment API and top seal adapters (S23).
- the RCV senses the drop elbow transition (YES in S24), the RCV with drop elbow connected enters into active mode and sends its location and ID to the CCU (S25).
- step S24 if the RCV does not detect the drop elbow transition (NO in S24), the RCV remains closed, and its electronic circuitry stays in sleep mode (S29). The system then waits until the drop elbow transition is detected.
- the RCV determines whether the password from the CCU is correct, and if so (YES in S30), the system determines whether a time period that the drop elbow switch was on was less than a preset period, e.g., 3 seconds (S42). If so, (YES in S42), the system opens the valve in the service mode (S43) and closes the valve (S44) if the drop elbow switch is on or if the service mode time delay has passed.
- a preset period e.g. 3 seconds
- the system checks whether any other RCV is in active delivery (S31) with a fuel type that is different from the one requested by the CCU (the system can allow for more than one delivery at the same time if the fuel type (or product) of the second delivery is identical to the active delivery and also assuming that the CCU has an additional fuel type indicator and push button (i.e., "resources") for that type of fuel). If so (YES in S31), the system waits until the active delivery for the other RCV is completed (S45). If the password is incorrect (NO in S30), the process returns to step S28, and the RCV returns to sleep mode.
- the system checks whether the CCU has enough resources to manage the delivery (S46). If not (NO in S46), the process goes to step S45, and if so (YES in S46), the CCU display blinks a product type LED red, and an audible alarm alerts that the RCV is closed (S32). The delivery person verifies that the blinking product-type LED matches the product type displayed on the PTDU and presses the fuel type pushbutton to start delivery (S33).
- the CCU issues an "open valve” command to the RCV, turns off the audible alarm and visual alert, turns the product type LED to solid green, and product delivery commences (S35). If the requested product type does not match the RCV product type (NO in S34), a rejection tone sounds (S36) and the process returns to step S32.
- step S37 the delivery person disconnects the drop elbow (S37). With the drop elbow disconnected, the RCV wakes up and sends a completion message to the CCU and begins a countdown (e.g., one minute) to close the valve (S38). If a "close" command from the CCU is received or the countdown limit is completed (YES in S39), the RCV is closed and enters the sleep mode (S40). The system waits for a "close" command from the CCU or completion of the time out period. In step S41, the system checks whether a drop elbow is connected, and if not (NO in S41), delivery is complete. If a drop elbow is connected (YES in S41), the process returns to step S25.
- Fig. 5 illustrates operational processes relating to alert sounds by the CCU to notify the delivery person on exceptions that occur during the unloading process.
- the alarm may be provided with varying tones to signify different errors, problems or successes.
- the alarm may sound a drop elbow engaged tone.
- An error tone may be sounded if an error condition is detected, and an alarm tone may be sounded if an alarm condition is detected.
- the alarm may similarly include warning beats when the RCV is closed with the drop elbow engaged. After a user requests that the valve be opened, if the request is accepted, the alarm can sound an "acceptance" tone; otherwise, the alarm can sound a "rejection" tone.
- the CCU is also designed to collect RCV maintenance and operational status at the station and will store that data in its internal memory to support product maintenance.
- the invention and the operational process described above result in increased distributor revenue, improved product quality, the elimination of improper-product delivery, and insurance cost savings.
- the described system serves to prevent the unauthorized delivery of product, allow authorized delivery, and control the flow of product at the entry port of a bulk storage tank.
- the system prevents an unauthorized delivery vehicle that is hauling a product from loading or unloading cargo while enabling an authorized delivery vehicle to unload or load authorized cargo with minimal interruption.
- the described embodiments are most preferably deployed in the area of fuel distribution, but the embodiments are equally applicable to any other product that involves controlling the transfer of product into or out of a bulk storage tank and a delivery vehicle, such as a tanker truck or rail car.
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Abstract
L'invention concerne un système qui empêche une distribution non autorisée d'un produit à une cuve de stockage en gros, permet une distribution autorisée et commande l'écoulement de produit au niveau d'un orifice d'entrée de produit de la cuve. Une soupape télécommandée comprend un rabat de disque qui peut se déplacer entre une position ouverte et une position fermée, et un ensemble de déplacement de disque comprenant un moteur couplé au rabat de disque. L'ensemble de déplacement de disque comprend une caractéristique de verrouillage qui verrouille le rabat de disque dans la position ouverte et la position fermée. Un contrôleur peut coopérer avec l'ensemble de déplacement de disque et commande l'activation du moteur. L'ensemble de déplacement de disque comprend un ensemble de transmission à ressorts interposé entre le moteur et un axe du rabat de disque. L'ensemble de transmission à ressorts permet le déplacement du moteur lorsque le rabat de disque est bloqué dans la position ouverte ou la position fermée.
Priority Applications (5)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US14/117,562 US9523978B2 (en) | 2011-08-11 | 2012-08-10 | Securing product storage tanks against unauthorized delivery |
US15/358,736 US9964962B2 (en) | 2011-08-11 | 2016-11-22 | Preventing contamination in a bulk liquid storage tank |
US15/966,200 US10585442B2 (en) | 2011-08-11 | 2018-04-30 | Securing product storage tanks against unauthorized delivery |
US16/682,244 US11194351B2 (en) | 2011-08-11 | 2019-11-13 | Securing product storage tanks against unauthorized delivery |
US17/543,405 US11860653B2 (en) | 2011-08-11 | 2021-12-06 | Preventing contamination in a bulk liquid storage tank |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US201161522502P | 2011-08-11 | 2011-08-11 | |
US61/522,502 | 2011-08-11 |
Related Child Applications (2)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US14/117,562 A-371-Of-International US9523978B2 (en) | 2011-08-11 | 2012-08-10 | Securing product storage tanks against unauthorized delivery |
US15/358,736 Continuation US9964962B2 (en) | 2011-08-11 | 2016-11-22 | Preventing contamination in a bulk liquid storage tank |
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WO2013023129A1 true WO2013023129A1 (fr) | 2013-02-14 |
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Family Applications (1)
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PCT/US2012/050287 WO2013023129A1 (fr) | 2011-08-11 | 2012-08-10 | Sécuriser des cuves de stockage de produit contre une distribution non autorisée |
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US (5) | US9523978B2 (fr) |
WO (1) | WO2013023129A1 (fr) |
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Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
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US11194351B2 (en) | 2021-12-07 |
US9964962B2 (en) | 2018-05-08 |
US9523978B2 (en) | 2016-12-20 |
US20180246534A1 (en) | 2018-08-30 |
US20200081460A1 (en) | 2020-03-12 |
US11860653B2 (en) | 2024-01-02 |
US10585442B2 (en) | 2020-03-10 |
US20220091621A1 (en) | 2022-03-24 |
US20170075362A1 (en) | 2017-03-16 |
US20140316589A1 (en) | 2014-10-23 |
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